In Kimberly King Parsons’s debut novel, We Were the Universe, the protagonist Kit convinces herself that she’s fine despite experiencing panic attacks and struggling with motherhood. Living in the fictional town of Pivot, Texas, 26-year-old Kit navigates mundane activities with her 3-year-old daughter Gilda, while her relationship with her partner Jad is marked by routine and mandated therapy.
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Initially, Kit's character can be challenging, with a narrative focused on her complexities rather than likability. However, as the story unfolds, her witty observations and emotional struggles become more relatable, prompting sympathy for her situation. Parsons commented on her character’s emotional distance, noting that Kit's fantasy life provides her an escape from the challenges of motherhood.
During an interview in March, Parsons shared insights into the concept of unlikable characters. She illustrated this by reading an early scene where Kit daydreams about her daughter's gymnastics instructor, Jazzy, longing for intimacy and escape in a life filled with demands. This dual existence—between fantasy and reality—reflects Kit’s deeper struggles with her identity and expectations as a mother.
Parsons is known for confronting difficult truths in her writing. Her earlier collection, Black Light, explores various aspects of relationships, from first loves to challenging marriages. Though originally from Lubbock, Texas, Parsons has also spent significant time in New York and Portland, Oregon, but her narratives often return to her Texas roots.
Her personal experiences, including the unexpected death of her brother at age 19, profoundly influence her writing. Kit’s character grapples with grief, particularly after losing her sister Julie when Kit was just 21 and pregnant. This backdrop adds a layer of complexity to Kit's new role as a mother, which is often overshadowed by unresolved grief.
Parsons highlights how societal expectations complicate the lives of new mothers, reflecting this through Kit’s attempts to reconcile her responsibilities with her desire for personal freedom, even as she resorts to watching pornography in secret.
The narrative sheds light on the contradictions of modern motherhood, where external pressures demand constant presence and mindfulness, while the character of Kit struggles to meet those demands. Parsons describes her “unlikable” characters as ones who are flawed, making mistakes while trying to navigate their lives.
In describing her work, Parsons mentions that We Were the Universe is ultimately about characters who are challenged yet not ready for change. This interplay between resilience and vulnerability resonates throughout the story. Kimberly King Parsons will discuss her book with Portland author Chelsea Bieker on May 14 at Powell’s City of Books.